New York is the biggest sports betting state in the United States by a wide margin. After legalizing the activity in 2021, the state has posted higher betting handles year after year, supported by several top operators entering the market.
Our focus here is on the best New York sportsbooks. We selected the top four after detailed evaluations, and they include FanDuel, BetMGM, Fanatics, and Caesars. Each platform excels in different areas, allowing you to choose the one that aligns best with your preferences. Keep reading to learn more about the top New York sportsbooks based on our firsthand testing.
Quick facts about NY sportsbooks
- New York records the largest sports betting handle in the US.
- NY legalized online sports betting in 2021.
- The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) regulates all sportsbooks.
Are sportsbooks legal in New York?
Sportsbooks are legal in NY for sure, and this has been the case since 2021. The Empire State was one of the first to legalize sports betting in 2019 after the Supreme Court ruled on the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). However, wagers were limited to retail locations.
From our research, New Jersey sportsbooks were already taking online bets in 2018. New York followed suit in January 2022, after the Governor signed a bill in 2021. Right now, the NY market is much bigger than NJ and all other US states.
We commend the Empire State for maintaining a well-regulated betting market. To operate, all brands must obtain a license from the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC). That said, we also know that NY has one of the highest taxes, with sportsbooks paying 51% of their gross gaming revenues (GGR). This high rate makes the industry less favorable for new betting sites.
The best 5 New York sportsbooks
We tested NY betting brands based on over 10 core quality ranking factors. From the results, these are the best sportsbooks in the Empire State:
1. FanDuel – Top pick for favorable odds
- Variety of betting markets
- DFS contests
- Downloadable mobile app
- Not available in all states
Joining a New York sportsbook like FanDuel gives you better returns on winning bets. We confirmed this while analyzing the brand's odds, which have a low average margin of less than 4.5%. The rate is consistent for top sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB.
While ranking the best Ohio sportsbooks, FanDuel also makes an appearance for its competitive lines. However, the brand offers more than just fair odds. Its mobile app and site are friendly, allowing you to select markets and submit bets without challenges.
During our FanDuel review, we got $150 in bonus bets from the welcome offer after registration. To grab this promo, simply sign up and stake at least $5. The bonus bets become available if your initial wager wins.
2. BetMGM – Best mobile app performance
- Mobile app available for Android and Apple devices
- Available in 21 states
- Comprehensive sports coverage
- Not available to all US bettors
The BetMGM mobile app scores the highest rating among NY sportsbooks in our test. Many factors contribute to this. First off, the mobile interface is responsive with bold fonts that are clear to read on any screen size. You'll see the same design whether you install the app on Android or iOS.
On the main app page, there's a neat sports row at the top. BetMGM uses official league logos, so you can quickly identify the NFL, NBA, or others. Another highlight from our tests is the bottom menu with links to My Bets, Promotions, and Account. The feature lets you manage submitted picks, bonuses, and your profile with a few taps.
Registering on the BetMGM app also brings you a decent welcome offer. If your first wager with the New York sportsbook loses, you'll receive it back in bonus bets up to $1,500.
3. Fanatics – Best lossback promo for new bettors
- NFL live game streaming
- Quick deposit and withdrawals
- Personalized promotions tab
- Strong brand credibility
- Mobile-only, no desktop version
Fanatics is a mobile-only betting platform, so you get started by installing the mobile app. For 10 days after your registration, you'll receive all losses back as FanCash, up to $200. In total, that's a possible $2,000 lossback bonus, which is higher than most other New York sportsbooks with a similar offer.
The requirements for the lossback promo are not complex. All you have to do is bet at least $1 per day on -500 or higher. We didn't see any sports restrictions, so you can make your picks on football, basketball, baseball, and others.
This NY sportsbook will also give you up to 10% FanCash as a rakeback on every wager. As you keep betting, you can qualify for the ONE loyalty program. The scheme has five levels, and you move from one to the other by accumulating points from your FanCash. To illustrate, we received 2 points for every $1 in FanCash.
4. Caesars – Best for in-play betting
- First bet safety net offer
- Dedicated mobile app
- User-friendly platform
- Live chat and phone support
- Not available in all states
With Caesars, you get a comprehensive sportsbook with an extensive live betting section. We checked out the page by just tapping the Live icon at the top tab. The interface highlights ongoing events in red, so you know what games are available to stake on beforehand.
On the Caesars in-play page, no popular sport is missing. We placed bets on active NFL, NBA, and MLB events on the sportsbook, and the odds adjust accurately as the games progress. Plus, the platform covers markets like moneylines, spreads, totals, props, and some specific live options.
You can claim several bonuses on Caesars, which may also work on live bets. As a new bettor, the sportsbook offers up to $25 max bet boost for 20 wagers after your first. Just make sure your initial bet is at least $1, and you'll activate the promo.
Expert tips for sports betting in New York
Knowing the top betting sites in New York isn't all. If you want to make the most of your wagers, you have to be strategic with every pick and prediction. To help you achieve that, we've discussed our pro tips below:
1. Specialize instead of spreading out
It's more difficult to get predictions right when you're betting on every sport. Knowing this, we always advise bettors to focus on one or two leagues. Just pick those you understand best and learn all you can about them.
For example, if football is your strong suit, you can study how certain teams perform at home and while on the road. This way, you can spot small details, which most bettors miss. We place a particular emphasis on this tip, as it appears in our review for Massachusetts sportsbooks, among other states.
2. Compare odds before you bet
Odds can differ between New York sportsbooks even for the same game. On one occasion, we saw +160 for a moneyline on an NBA event and +165 on another. Indeed, the variance isn't a lot, but it'll give you more potential returns. If you consistently spot such higher odds, you'll get more value from your winning bets in the long run.
3. Use local knowledge
Whenever you want to bet on a local New York team, bank on your knowledge of the state. For this tip, we're referring to factors such as stadiums, weather, and fan influence. These can play a role in results, especially for football and baseball.
Below is a rundown of leading New York teams across different sports to keep an eye on:
| Sport | NY teams |
| Football | New York Giants Buffalo Bills New York Jets |
| Basketball | Brooklyn Nets New York Knicks |
| Baseball | New York Mets New York Yankees |
| Hockey | New York Islanders New York Rangers Buffalo Sabres |
4. Don't involve sentiments
Our previous tip recommends following local NY teams, but it doesn't mean betting with sentiments. It's okay being a fan, but your wagers shouldn't be based on loyalty.
Instead, carry out research and make objective predictions, even if it doesn't favor your preferred teams. We give a similar tip during our review of Pennsylvania sportsbooks, advising PA bettors not to just back local teams with emotions.
5. Always stay responsible
The hype about sports betting in New York can sometimes be overwhelming. However, try to maintain responsible habits and don't go overboard when wagering. Even with the best strategy and research, sports betting still carries risk.
Our simple rule is to stake no more than 2 to 5% of your total bankroll on one bet. For example, if your balance is $200, keep each wager at $10 or less. If you select your best sportsbook in New York from our top list, you'll get various responsible gambling tools, so staying in control becomes easier.
Pros and cons of the NY sports betting industry
As a top player in the US sports betting space, the New York market has its upsides. At the same time, there's room for improvement. We've highlighted the pros and cons from our research below:
- Largest handle in the US
- Home to top sports teams for betting
- Sportsbooks with friendly mobile apps
- High 51% sportsbook tax
Conclusion – Pick your preferred New York sportsbook
Going forward, New York will remain one of the most active locations for online betting in the US. Major sportsbooks are legal, and the state is home to top teams across various sports. Indeed, the 51% tax isn't the most favorable for operators as we pointed out. However, active sportsbooks can easily balance the books thanks to the high volume of wagers from residents.
If you're in the Empire State, you can join the action with FanDuel, BetMGM, Fanatics, or Caesars. These New York sportsbooks are the best around, and you'll have a positive experience with any of them. Make your pick, then click the banners on this page to visit the betting site and create an account today. For more detailed information on each operator, visit our comprehensive sportsbook reviews section.
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New York sportsbooks FAQs
Can I gamble legally in New York?
Yes, you can gamble legally in New York at online sportsbooks. However, online casino gaming isn't permitted in the Empire State.
What betting sites are legal in New York?
Several betting sites are legal in New York, all with a valid license from the state's gaming commission. Top examples are FanDuel, BetMGM, Fanatics, and Caesars.
️ Is Caesars in NY?
Yes, Caesars Sportsbook is available in NY. The famous betting brand is regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC), so you can bet legally via the app.
Will I pay a 51% betting tax in New York?
You won't pay a 51% betting tax in New York, as the rate is only for sportsbooks. As an individual bettor, you'll pay the standard state tax on any winnings, which range from 4% to 10.9%.
Which NY sportsbook is the best?
The best NY sportsbook will depend on your preferences as a bettor. That said, our top picks are FanDuel, BetMGM, Fanatics, and Caesars.